Progress report: I have managed to get the manifold off the cylinder heads, but it is still held in place by as stubborn EGR valve pipe. Even though the pipe has been completely unbolted at the EGR valve, it won't come off easily. One suggestion I have gotten is to take a vice grip, clamp it onto the pipe, and try to bang it out using a hammer. This solution does have an appeal to me, since the EGR valve is a pain to remove because of the retaining screws placement close to the wheel well...

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Henry Bofinger
1989 560 SEL (black/black)
2001 Audi TT Roadster (silver/grey)